Perhaps there is something to the term grade we can use. It struck me that
it stands for
the height, the rise in a hill. the steep grade of a road. We may all start
on the
flat and try to keep pace, but some have the "legs" and breath to make it
all the
way to the top. Others, stop. I design my courses to have that destination
grade
up there high and far enough to challenge those who came as proven climbers,
yet
try to set the grade within reach of those who are initially intimidated by
the view
from the starting line. Where do I fit in? I set the grade, set the pace,
AND I
lead the hike. It is a stretch goal for me, too. Students needs to here me
panting along, urging just a few more steps. And, we do take breaks on the
way to let some catch up, who will. At the end of the course, the A's are
earned. At some other point, I may write about what students must DO to
reach targeted grades (not just what they have to show they know
linguistically
on a quiz).
I presume employers want a sign from us that our best are intellectually
sturdy and
have the heart to go the distance. These days, the distance, for business,
seems
have not stopping point. But, that's another message.
David
David S. Fearon, Ph.D.
Professor of Management
467 Vance Academic Center
Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CT 06057
fearon@ccsu.edu
860 832 3280 Fax 860 832 3289